5 Questions With ... retiring Harbormaster Tom Slayton

Back at his swearing-in ceremony in 1986, Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. Tom Slayton said his career goal would be to one day work in the Harbor Patrol division. Over the next 27 years, Slayton would reach that goal twice – first as a sergeant from 1995 to 2000, and most recently in 2011 as the division's harbormaster, overseeing the county's coastline and harbors of Dana Point, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.

Slayton, 52, is retiring this month from the department after just two years as harbormaster. We sat down to talk to Slayton about his best memories and future plans.

Q. While your time was brief, what is your most memorable moment as harbormaster?

A.I particularly enjoyed being part of the Balboa Island Parade. Everyone should have a chance to ride in a classic car with their families and wave at crowds of people. It's surreal.

Q. What did you learn over the course of your time as harbormaster?

A. Balancing a budget is like flipping a coin every year and aiming for its edge. Also, the harbormaster position comes with a great deal of public speaking opportunities. I was surprised at the amount of time and effort that is needed to do that well.

Q. When you were promoted to harbormaster, you said it was your dream job. So why are you leaving so soon?

A. This was, and is, my dream job and I was extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity. However, my wife is once again focusing on her career after raising our boys for the first 10-ish years of their lives, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to switch roles with her while they're still young enough to want to spend time with me.

Q. What are your plans now?

A.I currently work out with SoCal's Master's swim club and plan to continue that and my running. I also hope to spend more time with my bagpipes – when everyone is out of the house. Lastly, I'm sure I will be looking for part-time employment at some point, but I don't know what that will be.

Q. Any words of wisdom for the incoming harbormaster?

A.Nurture your relationships with clubs, groups and organizations, as well as local, state and federal agencies. You can't do this job well in a vacuum or an ivory tower. I believe that accessibility is vital. Answer your own phone and email, and be prepared to take responsibility when things go wrong, as well as provide real answers. Being reachable is meaningless if you don't provide anything tangible to those who reach out.